How to Do Namaste

In Sanskrit, “Namaste” means “the divine in me bows to the divine to you.” This greeting, prayer, and way of showing thanks has become internationally known due to the proliferation of yoga. Namaste can take on many meanings depending on the context, but it is always a positive gesture of respect. By performing Namaste, you can effectively show respect to others!^{[1]XResearch source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Performing Namaste

1
Press your palms together in front your chest. Center your palms in the middle of your body with your elbows out. Both of your arms should be a perfect mirror of one another.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Namaste is about centering the energies of your body in balance and harmony. Think about finding the middle of your body as you press your hands together. Your wrists should be centered on your ribcage and not below.
Hold your fingers together rather than spreading them apart as you touch your hands together. Your thumbs should be pressed firmly against your body, so there is no gap between your chest and your hands.^{[3]XResearch source}
Bend slightly from the waist, dipping your head. You can close your eyes as you do this to show reverence and respect. Pause for 1 second at the lowest point of the bow.^{[4]XResearch source}
4
Say “Namaste” at the pause of your bow. Pronounce Namaste, “NA-ma-stay.” Some cultures simply bow without actually articulating the word, but it is not considered disrespectful to say it if you are unsure.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Namaste is often said in a calm and peaceful voice. It is a bit like a blessing, recognizing the divine in the person you are greeting. Treat it with reverence, like a small prayer.
- Namaste is a way of acknowledging the other person, that you see the light in them and that you see it in yourself. It indicates that you see them as your equal, or more precisely, that they are one with you.^{[6]XExpert SourceKen Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT
  Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga TherapistExpert Interview. 24 April 2020.}
Still holding your hands in place, release the bow, and lower your arms to your sides. You are now ready to interact with the person you're greeting.^{[7]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Namaste to Communicate

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Use Namaste as cultural convention in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. In some parts of Asia, such as in India, Namaste is a way of greeting everyone, whether the person is young, old, a friend, or a stranger.^{[8]XResearch source}^{[9]XResearch source} Consulting a guidebook before you travel can help clarify local customs.
- Use Namaste in these cultures the same way you would a greeting in yours. For example, you probably wouldn't shake the hand of a store owner when shopping, but you would shake the hand of a new colleague. If you're feeling unsure, ask a friend or hotel concierge to give you some insight into what is appropriate.^{[10]XResearch source}
Use Namaste to thank people who provide a personal service to you. Whether it's someone who gives you thoughtful advice or your yoga teacher at the end of a good class, performing Namaste lets them know you sincerely appreciate what they've done for you.^{[11]XResearch source}
3
Use Namaste to appreciate kindness. Reward the thoughtfulness of friends and family by performing a Namaste. Doing this lets them know you appreciate their thinking of you.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For example, you could perform Namaste if your mom packs your favorite lunch or a friend brings you a trinket from a recent trip.
Many Hindus perform Namaste during prayer in order to look into their inner spirit. Prayer is individual, so do whatever feels natural to you.^{[13]XResearch source}
Namaste is a great way to greet others if you are trying to prevent the spread of germs. It shows respect without making physical contact.
Use Namaste to show deference to people close to you, such as family and friends, in written correspondence. Rather than using the gesture, address your recipient, “Namaste Grandma” or “Namaste Sir.” This lets your recipient know that you hold them in esteem.
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What is the meaning of namaste?
Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist
Ken Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.
Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist
Expert Answer
Namaste is a way of acknowledging that you see the light in another person, that you see them as your equal, and that you are one with them.
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It can help to think of Namaste as a gesture of humility in which you are reducing your ego in the presence of another person.^{[14]XResearch source}
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Namaste is a very meaningful gesture to those who use and practice it. Avoid mocking it just because it may be new or different to you.
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